Northern blot
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The RNA blot or Northern blot (named after the Southern blot for DNA fragments) is a molecular biology technique used to separate and identify pieces of RNA. RNA molecules are separated by mass on a gel, transferred (blotted) onto a cellulose or nylon membrane, and then labelled with complementary DNA or RNA molecules. These probes are either radioactive, typically 32P, or contain labelled nucleotides, e.g. DIG-dNTPs, recognisable by antibodies. RNA molecules can be detected and roughly quantified via probe hybridisation.
Designing RNA probes
- DNA probes, esp. using DIG-antibody detection, often give no/weak signal; RNA probes often better here [1]
- minimum probe length around 25 nt (anybody has a reference for this?) [2]
- DNA probes may be usable for both qRT-PCR and RNA blots [3]
See also
- RNA
- RNA Extraction
- RNA electrophoresis
- Endy:Northern Blot, 32P End-Labeled Probes
- BE.109:Systems engineering/Measuring DNA, RNA, protein
External links
- archived protocol conversations from Protocol Online
- index of RNA blot protocols from Protocol Online
- RNA preparation and blotting protocol (2006) by Kelly lab, Washington Uni
- RNA blot protocol by Allen Gathman from Southeast Missouri State Uni
- Techniques to detect mRNA - includes RNA blot, Ambion TechNotes
- Pack insert DIG RNA detection kit, Roche